May 26, 2022 Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter-C ST. PHILIP NERI, PRIEST

Acts 18:1-8

Psalm 98

John 16:16-20

“…your grief will become joy.”  John 16:20

Lord, my friend has cancer. He is taking heavy-duty medications to fight his disease. The drugs devastate his body and make him very sick. The doctors say that after the chemo treatments he could be cancer-free. You tell your disciples that they will face frustrations and persecution in the days ahead.  The world will resist them and hate the gospel message of yours. There will be pain and grief but the outcome will be joy when you return again. Lord, this promise of future joy is encouraging to us. Like my friend who faithfully takes chemotherapy, we must remain faithful during our time in this world. The Good News of your word is not welcome in our world, even in our own country freedom to live faith in you is under attack.  Lord, nurture your joy deep within my heart that you are in control and are leading us to heaven.  Lord, keep me faithful today to you and your word of freedom no matter what our culture or serious disease throws at me. Thank you for your promise of joy.  Amen.